A BRIEF Thanksgiving Football Preview
OK, we’re writing this at the opening salvo of The Egg Bowl (still 0-0), and the notion of ‘we need to get this done earlier this week’ got thrown to the layby because of the Thanksgiving break and two toddlers who refused to sleep.
Anyway, we’re going high-speed for all the games this week.
FRIDAY
We’ve covered the Ole Miss v Mississippi State game and why we’re watching it, so there’s little point in a preview. Sorry, Lane.
GEORGIA TECH AT NO.7 GEORGIA (-17.5)
Why should you be interested? Georgia’s very much in a play-off hunt. Otherwise, we expect Georgia – if they have a comfortable lead by the fourth quarter – to take their pedal off the medal to keep players healthy before next week’s SEC Championship Game. PREDICTION: Georgia 41, Georgia 17.
SATURDAY
1.TEXAS (-5) at TEXAS A&M
Why should you be interested? If you’re not excited about this game, you probably don’t like college football. The atmosphere is going to be OFF-THE-FRICKIN’-HOOK (Tickets going for around $1000 apiece), as the hated No.3 Horns rolled into Kyle Field. It’s going to be Texas A&M’s slight temperamental offense against Texas’ excellent defense. It’s going to be a semi-injured Quin Ewers battling it out not only against injury but also doing anything stupid, and whether Marcel Reed can continue living up to the hype. Oh, and then there’s also this: Whoever wins goes to the SEC Championship Game.PREDICTION: Texas A&M 31, Texas 28.
2.No.15 SOUTH CAROLINA AT NO.12 CLEMSON (-2.5).
Why should you be interested? The Other Death Valley is going to be off-the-chain for this one. It’s the first time since 2013 that both teams have been ranked. South Carolina needs to win and other results to go fall their way to grab the No.12 seed and put themselves into the College Football Play-Off. Clemson’s in the No.12 position, so it needs to win, and hope that either SMU or Miami loses to get into the ACC Championship Game. Clemson also needs to win because a win over a ranked opponent will give them love in the committee’s eyes, too. PREDICTION: Clemson comes through. Clemson 35, South Carolina 31.
3. AUBURN AT NO.13 ALABAMA (-10.5)
Why should you be interested? It’s the Iron Bowl, man. But this time – with Bama No.13 – Auburn can ruin the party. Auburn’s come off a stunning win over Texas A&M, while Alabama was blown out at Oklahoma. Alabama NEED to make the play-off. Because if they don’t, Kalen DeBoer’s ass is already going to be hot seat for 2025. PREDICTION: Jalin Milroe gets it going again. Alabama 44, Auburn 21.
4. NO.8 TENNESSEE (-11) AT VANDERBILT
Why should you be interested? This might be the last time you see Diego Pavia, who’s the greatest story in the SEC this year. Tennessee is going to be more nervous than usual going in for this one. Tennessee’s jeopardy is simple: Lose this and they’re out. PREDICTION: Because why not for the upset? Vanderbilt 31, Tennessee 28.
5. ARKANSAS AT NO.21 MISSOURI (-3)
Why should you be interested? According to Vegas, this is going to be the SEC’s closest game. Also, it’s going to be Luther Burden’s last game in a Missouri shirt before he goes off to be a Top 10 Draft pick. We also say goodbye to Brady Cook and Theo Wease. Arkansas could mess all the fun up, but….they aren’t that good. PREDICTION: Missouri rolls. Missouri 38, Arkansas 17.
6. OKLAHOMA AT LSU (-6)
Why should you be interested? Because the atmosphere in Baton Rouge is going to be beautifully grotesque towards Brian Kelly even before the game, and a hell of a lot worse if they lose. Otherwise, it’s a battle of ‘What Ifs’, as the people talk about why Oklahoma didn’t repeat its game against Alabama on a more regular basis, and why LSU has underperformed expectations so badly this year. PREDICTION: Raging Cajuns. Oklahoma 35, LSU 32.
6. LOUISVILLE (-4) AT KENTUCKY
Why should you be interested? The Commonwealth Cup pits together two teams that dislike each other immensely. That’s about it. PREDICTION: Louisville 34, Kentucky 27.
7. FLORIDA (-16.5) AT FLORIDA STATE
Why should you be interested? If you’re a Florida or Florida State fan. Or a gambling degenerate. PREDICTION: Florida 48, Florida State 14.